Muscat: Scientific studies have confirmed the rarity of the meteorite, which was found on February 5, 2020 in Al Khadf in the Shisr area of southern Oman. Named Khadf, this meteorite is particularly significant because it originates from the far side of the moon, unlike most lunar meteorites discovered on Earth, which are from the near side.
The unique origin of this meteorite will allow scientists to gain a broader understanding of the characteristics and components of the far side of the moon. This study represents a new scientific addition to the fields of meteorite and asteroid research.
Though the meteorite was discovered four years ago, the analysis and confirmation of its type and rarity were completed recently. According to chemical analyses, the main minerals in the meteorite are plagioclase (70 per cent), pyroxene (20 per cent) and olivine (5 per cent), along with other minerals in smaller percentages such as iron.
The study found that the outer layer of the sample contains molten atoms of moon dust.
This discovery is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s ongoing efforts to document meteorites in Oman, a project that has been in cooperation with the Natural History Museum in Bern since 2001. To date, over 7,341 meteorite pieces, weighing more than 7,000 kg, from the moon, Mars and various asteroid belt fissions have been documented. The ministry ensures these meteorite samples are preserved, sustained and scientifically documented according to the best international practices.
In early 2022, as part of its digital transformation programmes, the ministry launched a project in collaboration with the International Meteor Observing Network and other specialised scientific institutions to monitor and document meteorites as they enter Oman’s atmosphere. This project enables the field research team to locate meteorites immediately after they land, allowing for timely and accurate scientific research. The ministry’s documentation of the ‘Khadf meteorite’, weighing 22 grammes, is a testament to the success of using modern technology in meteorite research.
At the beginning of this year, the ministry organised a workshop titled ‘Meteorites in the Sultanate of Oman and Combating Illicit Trade in Them'. The workshop aimed to educate the participants about meteorites, their scientific importance and the legal controls related to them. It targeted customs inspectors, tourism companies, researchers, and others involved in geological heritage and cultural property. — ONA
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